Case Study

Rachel’s confidence gets much needed boost

28 Mar 2022

Rachel Denby felt sceptical about finding employment when she joined the WHP JETS programme, considering herself too unconfident and her circumstances too difficult to find a fulfilling job. But with support and encouragement from the programme’s team, her attitude – and confidence – changed and, just one interview later, she was snapped up for work.
 
“I was terrified of finding a job,” says Rachel, 42. “I was completely lacking confidence in myself and my abilities and I was very dismissive when Jobcentre Plus suggested I tried JETS – I didn’t think they would ever find me a role.”
 
Rachel, who lives near Morecambe, was referred by her local Jobcentre Plus to employment coach Judi Webster at Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS), a separate strand of the Work and Health Programme (WHP), delivered in North West England by Ingeus. It is commissioned and financed by the Department for Work and Pensions and deemed to be a European Social Fund match funded programme.
 
Supporting her mum through end-of-life care, as well as looking after two young children, meant single-mum Rachel needed a role which would fit with her circumstances – something she was unsure would be possible.
 
She recalls, “Judi was wonderful – she reassured me that together we would find a job that was right for me, and my attitude completely changed. I was completely honest with her and she was very understanding about mum.
 
“Throughout the time of mum being poorly and her passing away, Judi rang me each week. It was just what I needed. I didn’t feel pressured in my search at all – they were ringing to make sure I was ok. The all-round support was amazing.”
 
Initially, Judi helped her to find a role working from home which, although not Rachel’s ideal choice, best suited her situation. Within three weeks she had a job lined up, but when her mum passed away in November 2021 the start date was deferred and Judi found Rachel a role which suited her even better. Then, she was put in touch with another employment coach, Anne-Marie, who helped build her confidence through practise interviews.
 
Rachel, who is now employed as a youth mentor for a local charity, confesses, “My last interview was about 20 years ago so I was absolutely petrified! But the support I received was amazing and I smashed it!
 
“I’m eternally grateful for everything the team has done. If I’m even half as good as Judi with the mentoring I’m doing, then I’ll be pretty good!”